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The Huntsman
Abandon all hope, for The Huntsman is coming.
In the darkest depths of the South, an unholy terror stalks the darkness. The Huntsman, a figure of twisted legend, leads his pack of hellish hounds through the shadows, driven by a hunger for blood and a thirst for vengeance.
For generations, his name has been whispered around campfires and in hushed tones, a cautionary tale used to frighten disobedient children into submission. But when a plantation owner hires him to track down a runaway slave, The Huntsman's malevolent power is unleashed upon the land.
With his trusty axe in hand and his hounds by his side, The Huntsman will stop at nothing to capture his prey, leaving a trail of blood and terror in his wake. No one is safe from The Huntsman's wrath. No one can escape his relentless pursuit. And when he finally catches his prey, the screams will echo through eternity.
In the darkest depths of the South, an unholy terror stalks the darkness. The Huntsman, a figure of twisted legend, leads his pack of hellish hounds through the shadows, driven by a hunger for blood and a thirst for vengeance.
For generations, his name has been whispered around campfires and in hushed tones, a cautionary tale used to frighten disobedient children into submission. But when a plantation owner hires him to track down a runaway slave, The Huntsman's malevolent power is unleashed upon the land.
With his trusty axe in hand and his hounds by his side, The Huntsman will stop at nothing to capture his prey, leaving a trail of blood and terror in his wake. No one is safe from The Huntsman's wrath. No one can escape his relentless pursuit. And when he finally catches his prey, the screams will echo through eternity.
174 pages, Hardcover
Published March 28, 2025
22 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 11, 2025
Some jobs you take because you have to. You’ve got mouths to feed; maybe not kids, but dogs still count.
The Huntsman is a huge man, a legend, and he’s hired to track down and kill Winston, an escaped enslaved man, so the plantation owner can make an example out of him. The Huntsman isn’t racist. In fact, he hates slavery and everything it stands for. However, he is essentially a hired assassin; winter is approaching, and his dogs are starving.
It’s not personal, it’s business… Until Winston kills one of his dogs. Now it’s personal.
The story unfolds through both Winston’s and the Huntsman’s POVs, and it becomes a tense chase. I really enjoyed the paranormal elements and a surprisingly tender love story, and you’ve got something layered, unsettling, and genuinely fun to read.
March 18, 2025
Devin Cabrera has done it again!
The Huntsman was such a wild ride! It was so much fun being able to learn about another ghost from Nightmare Island. Although I feel Jones was a little more brutal, this one still packed a hell of a punch! I’ve always been a sucker for any kind of origin story, and this one did not disappoint. This story was definitely not what I was expecting for The Huntsman’s background story, but was very pleasantly surprised! This book had me at the edge of my seat and holding my breath multiple times throughout. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to be able to enjoy this book as much as I did!
The Huntsman was such a wild ride! It was so much fun being able to learn about another ghost from Nightmare Island. Although I feel Jones was a little more brutal, this one still packed a hell of a punch! I’ve always been a sucker for any kind of origin story, and this one did not disappoint. This story was definitely not what I was expecting for The Huntsman’s background story, but was very pleasantly surprised! This book had me at the edge of my seat and holding my breath multiple times throughout. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to be able to enjoy this book as much as I did!
May 20, 2025
Despite the mass amount of animal murdilation(yes I made up a word) this was an extremely got book. I actually felt like I was right there running through the woods hiding and starving. I felt the damp, dank, and dark atmosphere all around me. And for some reason my brain pictured The Huntsman as the Candyman(the original, mind you). My imagination took a lot of liberties with this book and I'm not even mad.
Also, please tell me why I felt bad for the guy's dogs dying. He did not deserve my pity but here my dumb ass was handing it out like Halloween candy on Christmas Eve.
Oh yeah. Fuck slavery and fuck racist pieces of shit. That is all.
Also, please tell me why I felt bad for the guy's dogs dying. He did not deserve my pity but here my dumb ass was handing it out like Halloween candy on Christmas Eve.
Oh yeah. Fuck slavery and fuck racist pieces of shit. That is all.
May 17, 2025
This was such a creative story and I really enjoyed Devin Cabrera’s writing style. There’s plenty of action and even more gore. It was a super atmospheric book thick with tension and a lot of folklore. What really sets this book apart, though, is Cabrera’s ability to make even the darkest characters feel human. I found myself unexpectedly sympathetic to the Huntsman himself by the end of the story.
This was my first read from Cabrera, but it definitely won’t be my last. Welcome to Nightmare Island is next on my list.
This was my first read from Cabrera, but it definitely won’t be my last. Welcome to Nightmare Island is next on my list.
March 25, 2025
This was savage, totally immersive, and viciously barbaric! I really enjoyed it.
"The Huntsman" is another "Welcome to Nightmare Island" prequel, the latest entry in the series of origin stories of "the most dangerous ghosts the world has ever known"! It can be easily read as a standalone, since it presupposes no knowledge of the "Nightmare Island" story, being a suspenseful, action-heavy tale of the slave trade in the 19th Century South: the Huntsman and his hounds are hired to hunt down an escaped slave. The Huntsman, not a ghost yet, is already a terrifying figure, a legend of the woods, who has absolute mastery over a pack of equally terrifying feral dogs. What follows is a brutal and fast-paced adventure, with both the Huntsman and the poor slave facing unexpected threats as well as each other.
Basing the story on the slave labor was genius, since it allows the author to provide glimpses into the harsh life of enslaved people, from their terrible abuse to the legendary Railway Road; it also reveals little suspected sides of the Huntsman himself, a bonus sympathetic side I was not prepared for and which I really appreciated.
I could go on and on about every part of this complex tale, especially the supernatural scene everyone was pining for about the Huntsman; it was so good, and, honestly, I was really sorry to reach the end of the book! Is it the end, though? I can't wait to find out!
"The Huntsman" is another "Welcome to Nightmare Island" prequel, the latest entry in the series of origin stories of "the most dangerous ghosts the world has ever known"! It can be easily read as a standalone, since it presupposes no knowledge of the "Nightmare Island" story, being a suspenseful, action-heavy tale of the slave trade in the 19th Century South: the Huntsman and his hounds are hired to hunt down an escaped slave. The Huntsman, not a ghost yet, is already a terrifying figure, a legend of the woods, who has absolute mastery over a pack of equally terrifying feral dogs. What follows is a brutal and fast-paced adventure, with both the Huntsman and the poor slave facing unexpected threats as well as each other.
Basing the story on the slave labor was genius, since it allows the author to provide glimpses into the harsh life of enslaved people, from their terrible abuse to the legendary Railway Road; it also reveals little suspected sides of the Huntsman himself, a bonus sympathetic side I was not prepared for and which I really appreciated.
I could go on and on about every part of this complex tale, especially the supernatural scene everyone was pining for about the Huntsman; it was so good, and, honestly, I was really sorry to reach the end of the book! Is it the end, though? I can't wait to find out!
March 28, 2025
Cabrera’s writing in "The Huntsman" masterfully draws readers into a world where morality is blurred and emotions run deep. He skillfully evokes unsettling feelings, pushing us to empathize with the villain and compelling us to examine the complexities behind their actions.
The atmosphere is palpable, filled with grit and gore, creating a hauntingly dark experience that lingers in the mind. As we navigate the treacherous woods alongside Winston, the Huntsman, and his loyal hounds, we encounter a series of heart-wrenching moments that challenge our allegiances. It’s a thrilling ride that simultaneously compels us to empathize with both the protagonist and antagonist, leading to a unique reading experience where rooting for either side feels equally justified. Cabrera’s storytelling is a gripping exploration of humanity’s darker sides, leaving readers with a sense of unease and deep reflection long after the last page is turned.
The atmosphere is palpable, filled with grit and gore, creating a hauntingly dark experience that lingers in the mind. As we navigate the treacherous woods alongside Winston, the Huntsman, and his loyal hounds, we encounter a series of heart-wrenching moments that challenge our allegiances. It’s a thrilling ride that simultaneously compels us to empathize with both the protagonist and antagonist, leading to a unique reading experience where rooting for either side feels equally justified. Cabrera’s storytelling is a gripping exploration of humanity’s darker sides, leaving readers with a sense of unease and deep reflection long after the last page is turned.
March 23, 2025
Thank you Devin for an ARC of The Huntsman! Another great book! Well written, exciting, dark and a little gruesome! Devin has a great writing style that perfectly paints the backdrop in your mind! I’m loving the back stories for the ghosts of Welcome to Nightmare Island and I can’t wait to read them all!
October 23, 2025
Everybody’s heard of the legend of the huntsman and his hounds who roam the Southern woods. When a slave escapes the Boone plantation the owner hires the huntsman to track him down. But with a pack of bloodthirsty hellhounds to feed, not a single breathing soul to cross their pathway shall be safe.
This was my first novel by Devin Cabrera and I devoured it! His writing style is flowing, captivating and it pulled me in from the very start. Although I didn’t have much time to read, the pages kept flying by and I inhaled chapter after chapter.
Since I’ve read Kyle Onstott’s Master of Falconhurst in my early twenties I have an interest for reading about plantations. And despite the fact it’s not in particular about life on a plantation, we certainly get an impression how horrible life was for these poor people. Well, let’s say at least in this book karma finds its way. 🔥
I was pleasantly surprised by the paranormal twist the story took and I couldn’t stop reading when I was about 45% in. In fact, I was reading so fast my brain couldn’t keep up with my eyes and I had to restart some paragraphs. 😆 I just had to know how it would end and it all came perfectly together. All of the author’s other work is now on my tbr as well and I can’t wait to dive into it. 🤩
4.5⭐️
This was my first novel by Devin Cabrera and I devoured it! His writing style is flowing, captivating and it pulled me in from the very start. Although I didn’t have much time to read, the pages kept flying by and I inhaled chapter after chapter.
Since I’ve read Kyle Onstott’s Master of Falconhurst in my early twenties I have an interest for reading about plantations. And despite the fact it’s not in particular about life on a plantation, we certainly get an impression how horrible life was for these poor people. Well, let’s say at least in this book karma finds its way. 🔥
I was pleasantly surprised by the paranormal twist the story took and I couldn’t stop reading when I was about 45% in. In fact, I was reading so fast my brain couldn’t keep up with my eyes and I had to restart some paragraphs. 😆 I just had to know how it would end and it all came perfectly together. All of the author’s other work is now on my tbr as well and I can’t wait to dive into it. 🤩
4.5⭐️
April 3, 2025
Another riveting read from Devin! This one threw me for a loop and had me feeling all sorts of ways, which was expected to an extent, but I didn’t plan on the extreme heartbreak. Most of the time I was rooting against the huntsman, hoping he would fail so the MC would stay alive but I found myself rooting for him when it worked out in MC’s favor! Most of the book was sadness for me, guilt for not having to experience what those in slavery did and embarrassment for how they were truly treated and how evil people were. It was a different sense of horror, more realistic. I got the more splatterpunk, gory aspect towards the end of the book and sadly found myself enjoying the surprises at the Inn! Overall, I feel like Devin done an extremely fantastic job developing the characters throughout the story and giving us a gut punch of a plot/storyline to sink our teeth in instead of nonstop stomach turners. I enjoy both types of reads but thought this one being different than most had a “breath of fresh air” type of vibe! Totally recommend!
March 30, 2025
Devin Cabrera did it again! I found myself rooting for both the good guy and the bad guy. It's such a great book. Was hooked from beginning to end. It is a wild ride that won't disappoint.
March 20, 2025
When a bounty is on your head, you had better hope The Huntsman doesn’t answer the call.
The Huntsman is another top tier original story from Nightmare Island. In NI, The Huntsman was a terrifying creature with his three bloodthirsty dogs. Here we see him in life, just as unstoppable and just as terrifying.
The plot is as delicate as it is harsh, with a story based around the slave trade and the Underground Railroad. This is dealt with sensitively as well as exposing the truth of life as a slave, and I really applaud Devin for that.
Seriously entertaining, the gore and thrill of the story are bang on, every axe throw written with precision. And from time to time, I found myself sympathising with the Huntsman and his dogs, which really added an extra level to the story.
The Huntsman is another top tier original story from Nightmare Island. In NI, The Huntsman was a terrifying creature with his three bloodthirsty dogs. Here we see him in life, just as unstoppable and just as terrifying.
The plot is as delicate as it is harsh, with a story based around the slave trade and the Underground Railroad. This is dealt with sensitively as well as exposing the truth of life as a slave, and I really applaud Devin for that.
Seriously entertaining, the gore and thrill of the story are bang on, every axe throw written with precision. And from time to time, I found myself sympathising with the Huntsman and his dogs, which really added an extra level to the story.
March 22, 2025
That was an amazing ride that you don't want to miss for sure.
Since the start of the Nightmare Island universe, I followed Devin Cabrera with excitiment, looking forward for all the words he would be willing to share with us. What Devin has created starting with the Nightmare Island and continuing with Jones 1963, Jones 1993 and now The Huntsman, is a multiverse of stories and lives that will make you shudder and gasp and shake with fear and sadness and pain.
Since the start of the Nightmare Island universe, I followed Devin Cabrera with excitiment, looking forward for all the words he would be willing to share with us. What Devin has created starting with the Nightmare Island and continuing with Jones 1963, Jones 1993 and now The Huntsman, is a multiverse of stories and lives that will make you shudder and gasp and shake with fear and sadness and pain.
March 24, 2025
I do not think that I have been more afraid of a character than the Huntsman. Just reading the description of him in the first pages of the book was enough to make me want to run from him. But then each encounter the Huntsman was involved with only made me want to get away from him also. I felt such outrage for the slaves not only because they did not deserve to be treated so horribly but that their punishments were beyond cruel….they were despicable. What the men got from the Huntsman was better than they deserved. Every time Winston came close to being caught, I wanted to find a way to distract the Huntsman from him so he could get away. And, who was the creepy woman in the cabin? By the end of the book it was clear that there will need to be another book.
May 8, 2025
Have you read or heard of Welcome to Nightmare Island? I read it a while back and it gave straight-up Thirteen Ghosts energy. The Huntsman is the backstory for one of the ghosts from that book, and it goes way deeper than I expected.
It follows Winston, a man who escaped slavery and just wanted peace. The Huntsman, who you probably thought was just nightmare fuel, was a real person once. This book shows who he was before the legend. His childhood, the trauma, the whole origin story that made him who he became.
If you were into Nightmare Island, this one adds a whole new layer. It gives that world more shape and depth, especially if you were curious about the Huntsman. You don’t have to read Welcome to Nightmare Island to get into this, though. It stands on its own as a dark folktale meets historical survival story with ghosts, violence, and a little love in the middle of all that mess.
It follows Winston, a man who escaped slavery and just wanted peace. The Huntsman, who you probably thought was just nightmare fuel, was a real person once. This book shows who he was before the legend. His childhood, the trauma, the whole origin story that made him who he became.
If you were into Nightmare Island, this one adds a whole new layer. It gives that world more shape and depth, especially if you were curious about the Huntsman. You don’t have to read Welcome to Nightmare Island to get into this, though. It stands on its own as a dark folktale meets historical survival story with ghosts, violence, and a little love in the middle of all that mess.
May 8, 2025
Brutal, tense, and relentless. This was amazingly well written, and it had me completely absorbed in the story. The writing is such that you can feel the characters' fear and anger radiating out from the pages. It is an excellent mix of dark pieces of history and supernatural elements; I highly recommend giving this a read. 4.75⭐️
March 28, 2025
Another great book by Devin! I enjoyed the story and getting the backstory of the huntsman and his hounds. The book was well-written as I felt like I was there as it was all taking place!
March 24, 2025
Devin Cabrera is at it again: expanding his universe of Nightmare Island with another frightful backstory: The Huntsman. I received an arc and went into this without looking at any information outside previous books of his, and wow! I was very surprised by this backstory! A book that keeps you guessing after what's to come and never knowing fpr whom you ultimately want to cheer. Can't wait to see which ghost is next!
March 31, 2025
I love learning the origins of all the different ghosts from Welcome to Nightmare Island. These backstories just pull you in, and this one is no different. We get to learn about the Huntsman and what made him who he is, and in some ways, we are rooting for him for what he is doing, but ultimately, he is a killer. I can't wait for the Black Witch. Keep them coming, Devin 😁
March 26, 2025
Have you ever wondered where all the ghosts came from in Welcome to Nightmare Island? Well, Devin has given us the stories of Jones 1963, Jones 1993, and now The Huntsman. And let me tell you, The Huntsman is ghostly brutal and absolutely heartbreaking at times. The Huntsman being over 8ft tall is scary enough, but add in 3 hounds that could be straight out of hell. Well, that's a combo nobody wants chasing them through the woods. And a chase is what the Huntsman does best.
December 30, 2025
WOW!! When I tell you I was hooked from the start, I’m not exaggerating! The Huntsman is so full of on the edge of your seat suspense, I felt my heart rate rising.
If you are looking for a story full of intense horror, graphic carnage, writing that leaps off the page, go read this now!!
This is my first book by Devin Cabrera and I’m so glad he reached out and provided me a copy. Off to search his others now!
If you are looking for a story full of intense horror, graphic carnage, writing that leaps off the page, go read this now!!
This is my first book by Devin Cabrera and I’m so glad he reached out and provided me a copy. Off to search his others now!
March 27, 2025
Wait a minute, this wasn’t a story about cuddly puppies at all. Such a deceiving book cover! You have some explaining to do, Mr. Cabrera. Okay, okay, let’s get serious for a moment. This is my voluntary ARC review of The Huntsman, by Devin Cabrera, being released on March 28, 2025. A+++ for the cover art, Wendy Saber Core. Your work is horrifying, in the most amazing way. If that alone doesn’t get potential readers’ attention, I don’t know what will.
The legend is true, The Huntsman, with his axe in hand, and his loyal hounds by his side, stalks his victims in the woods of the South, instilling fear in all those who hear the tale. As with Jones 1963 and Jones 1993, this story is also about a malevolent killer. The difference here is that the circumstances on how they became the killers that they are were quite different. In one, you feel empathy (or at least I did) for Jones Jepsen, whereas, with The Huntsman it was more a feeling of fear than empathy. He kills to support himself and his hounds. (Shout out for being such a good dog dad.) Different situation, so emotions run differently while reading this story as well. Does that make it any less spectacular? Absolutely not.
While perhaps slightly less brutal in the way he kills his victims than Jones Jepsen, there’s still great detail in the way he does the deed. And Devin, you’ve once again done a spectacular job with character development and writing the scenes so well that I felt the fear that his victims felt…from the safety of my home. You brought the scenes to life in a way that a great writer does, making me want to read nonstop. While I would like to have seen him take revenge on those more deserving of his wrath, I understand that in horror, good vs. evil doesn’t always side with the good.
This gets a 5 out of 5 from me, and I honestly can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next. In the meantime, I’m starting Welcome to Nightmare Island today!
The legend is true, The Huntsman, with his axe in hand, and his loyal hounds by his side, stalks his victims in the woods of the South, instilling fear in all those who hear the tale. As with Jones 1963 and Jones 1993, this story is also about a malevolent killer. The difference here is that the circumstances on how they became the killers that they are were quite different. In one, you feel empathy (or at least I did) for Jones Jepsen, whereas, with The Huntsman it was more a feeling of fear than empathy. He kills to support himself and his hounds. (Shout out for being such a good dog dad.) Different situation, so emotions run differently while reading this story as well. Does that make it any less spectacular? Absolutely not.
While perhaps slightly less brutal in the way he kills his victims than Jones Jepsen, there’s still great detail in the way he does the deed. And Devin, you’ve once again done a spectacular job with character development and writing the scenes so well that I felt the fear that his victims felt…from the safety of my home. You brought the scenes to life in a way that a great writer does, making me want to read nonstop. While I would like to have seen him take revenge on those more deserving of his wrath, I understand that in horror, good vs. evil doesn’t always side with the good.
This gets a 5 out of 5 from me, and I honestly can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next. In the meantime, I’m starting Welcome to Nightmare Island today!
June 9, 2025
Prepare yourself for the journey of a world of raw tension and eerie brilliance as Devin Cabrera unveils the haunting tale of ‘The Huntsman’. ‘The Huntsman’, the story with emotional tempest, a cinematic plunge into the harrowing backdrop of slavery. The story where power looms heavy and freedom becomes an almost mythical aspiration.
At the heart of this haunting tale is the enigmatic Huntsman, a figure cloaked in mystique and menace. Forged by an unforgiving past, he carries a heavy presence that sends shivers down every corner of the narrative. His legend, surrounded by folklore, is made even more terrifying by his pack of devilish hounds, creatures embodying the raw essence of fear. The Huntsman’s world is one of unrelenting tension, and his story dares to ask profound questions about freedom and humanity.
On the other side of this gripping narrative is the runaway slave, a character who embodies the desperate thirst for survival and the unyielding hope for freedom. Through Cabrera’s masterful storytelling, you feel every heartbeat, every breath, and every ounce of courage as the runaway flees through peril, pursued relentlessly by the Huntsman and his hounds. The tension between these two characters becomes the lifeblood of the story, driving it forward with unrelenting intensity.
What makes ‘The Huntsman’ so unforgettable is not simply its dark beauty or its cinematic intensity—it’s the way Cabrera makes you feel deeply connected to these characters, their struggles, and their fleeting moments of hope. The pages pulse with an almost otherworldly energy, immersing you in a game of survival where every decision feels like it could be your last. Cabrera doesn’t just tell a story; they invite you to live it.
If you’re looking for a book that will leave you breathless, that will make your heart race and your mind ponder long after you’ve closed its final pages, ‘The Huntsman’ is it.
At the heart of this haunting tale is the enigmatic Huntsman, a figure cloaked in mystique and menace. Forged by an unforgiving past, he carries a heavy presence that sends shivers down every corner of the narrative. His legend, surrounded by folklore, is made even more terrifying by his pack of devilish hounds, creatures embodying the raw essence of fear. The Huntsman’s world is one of unrelenting tension, and his story dares to ask profound questions about freedom and humanity.
On the other side of this gripping narrative is the runaway slave, a character who embodies the desperate thirst for survival and the unyielding hope for freedom. Through Cabrera’s masterful storytelling, you feel every heartbeat, every breath, and every ounce of courage as the runaway flees through peril, pursued relentlessly by the Huntsman and his hounds. The tension between these two characters becomes the lifeblood of the story, driving it forward with unrelenting intensity.
What makes ‘The Huntsman’ so unforgettable is not simply its dark beauty or its cinematic intensity—it’s the way Cabrera makes you feel deeply connected to these characters, their struggles, and their fleeting moments of hope. The pages pulse with an almost otherworldly energy, immersing you in a game of survival where every decision feels like it could be your last. Cabrera doesn’t just tell a story; they invite you to live it.
If you’re looking for a book that will leave you breathless, that will make your heart race and your mind ponder long after you’ve closed its final pages, ‘The Huntsman’ is it.
May 30, 2025
4 ⭐️
In the darkest depths of the South, an unholy terror known as the Huntsman stalks the darkness with his pack of 3 hellish hounds by his side. For generations, his name has been whispered in hushed towns, a cautionary tale. But when a plantation owner hires him to track down a runaway slave, the Huntsman and his hounds will be unleashed.
What a dark and atmospheric read this was! From the start the story felt tense and relentless because of the Huntsman’s pursuit. I felt for our runaway slave, Winston, and although the Huntsman was after him the way he was written I felt for him and his hounds in a way too. So, I felt conflicted during my time reading, but nonetheless I feel that made it more enjoyable! I enjoyed the descriptive kills, and let’s be honest reading about some of these people meeting their demise was nothing less than satisfying. With this story being written during a time of slavery, and with that being a heavy theme of the book, it can be a bit heavy. I do feel the author goes about writing it in a respectful way, which can be appreciated!
I found out the Huntsman stems from another one of Devin Cabrera’s work, Nightmare Island, and since I enjoyed this book as much as I did I have added it to my TBR! Hopefully I’ll get to read more of the Huntsman and his hounds in that book. If you haven’t checked this one out yet, you should. Huge thank you to the author for sending this book my way!
In the darkest depths of the South, an unholy terror known as the Huntsman stalks the darkness with his pack of 3 hellish hounds by his side. For generations, his name has been whispered in hushed towns, a cautionary tale. But when a plantation owner hires him to track down a runaway slave, the Huntsman and his hounds will be unleashed.
What a dark and atmospheric read this was! From the start the story felt tense and relentless because of the Huntsman’s pursuit. I felt for our runaway slave, Winston, and although the Huntsman was after him the way he was written I felt for him and his hounds in a way too. So, I felt conflicted during my time reading, but nonetheless I feel that made it more enjoyable! I enjoyed the descriptive kills, and let’s be honest reading about some of these people meeting their demise was nothing less than satisfying. With this story being written during a time of slavery, and with that being a heavy theme of the book, it can be a bit heavy. I do feel the author goes about writing it in a respectful way, which can be appreciated!
I found out the Huntsman stems from another one of Devin Cabrera’s work, Nightmare Island, and since I enjoyed this book as much as I did I have added it to my TBR! Hopefully I’ll get to read more of the Huntsman and his hounds in that book. If you haven’t checked this one out yet, you should. Huge thank you to the author for sending this book my way!
March 20, 2025
The Huntsman
By: Devin Cabrera
Pub Date: March 28th 2025
🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓/5
Whew doggie. Devin did it again ya'll! The Huntsman is the backstory to yet another one of the fierce ghosts from Welcome to Nightmare Island.
"They said he lived in the woods with his dogs, never speaking a word. They said he hunted down people for sport, then took the teeth of his victims and wore them around his throat like jewelry."
The story follows an escaped slave named Winston and he runs not only towards the North and freedom, but, also from a recluse man named the Huntsman and his savage dogs that were hired to bring Winston back to the plantation.
"The stories, the whispers, the terrified prayers-all had been mere whispers of the terror that now stood before them."
Cabrera bites down harder then a hellhound in this novel and thrashes you around until the end. Once again, his writing is faced paced and full of imagery that put you straight into the story. If you're looking for something tense, brutal, and unrelenting...this is one for you.
By: Devin Cabrera
Pub Date: March 28th 2025
🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓/5
Whew doggie. Devin did it again ya'll! The Huntsman is the backstory to yet another one of the fierce ghosts from Welcome to Nightmare Island.
"They said he lived in the woods with his dogs, never speaking a word. They said he hunted down people for sport, then took the teeth of his victims and wore them around his throat like jewelry."
The story follows an escaped slave named Winston and he runs not only towards the North and freedom, but, also from a recluse man named the Huntsman and his savage dogs that were hired to bring Winston back to the plantation.
"The stories, the whispers, the terrified prayers-all had been mere whispers of the terror that now stood before them."
Cabrera bites down harder then a hellhound in this novel and thrashes you around until the end. Once again, his writing is faced paced and full of imagery that put you straight into the story. If you're looking for something tense, brutal, and unrelenting...this is one for you.
March 25, 2025
Prior to reading The Huntsman, I was already a huge fan of this author. And of course, he did not disappoint with this one! This book is the origin story to a character from his book “Welcome to Nightmare Island” I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Devin Cabrera, so I wasn’t at all shocked. I felt the same about this one! This book had you rooting for not only the protagonist, but the antagonist as well. The details and humor that Devin brings to his books shined yet again in this one, and I couldn’t read it fast enough. At the end I was sad it was done, so I’ll be waiting on pins and needles for the next book that he puts out.
The characters he creates are multidimensional and so interesting. He somehow manages to throw humor into books that don’t necessarily have it, and it works beautifully. This indie writer is quickly becoming a favor on my bookshelves.
This is an unpaid ARC review, but my opinion would be the same if it wasn’t!
The characters he creates are multidimensional and so interesting. He somehow manages to throw humor into books that don’t necessarily have it, and it works beautifully. This indie writer is quickly becoming a favor on my bookshelves.
This is an unpaid ARC review, but my opinion would be the same if it wasn’t!
March 29, 2025
Here is another origin story from one of the ghosts featured in Welcome to Nightmare Island.
The Hunstman is man of very little words, but he makes up for that in size, along with his three great hounds who you do not want to trifle with!
This book is action-packed from beginning to end. You're rooting for the innocent people, and at the same time, you're hoping there isn't a terrible end to the Huntsman or his dogs.
From my reads of WTNI, Jones 1963, and Jones 1993, I would say this is Devin's best work yet. You can tell the writing and storytelling are top-notch! It pulls you in, making you root for the hunters and the hunted. The characters development are more fleshed out in this one too.
If you like a good horror story, don't hesitate to check out this one!
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Content warning: violence, slavery, animal death, graphic scenes
🪓🪓🪓🪓/5
The Hunstman is man of very little words, but he makes up for that in size, along with his three great hounds who you do not want to trifle with!
This book is action-packed from beginning to end. You're rooting for the innocent people, and at the same time, you're hoping there isn't a terrible end to the Huntsman or his dogs.
From my reads of WTNI, Jones 1963, and Jones 1993, I would say this is Devin's best work yet. You can tell the writing and storytelling are top-notch! It pulls you in, making you root for the hunters and the hunted. The characters development are more fleshed out in this one too.
If you like a good horror story, don't hesitate to check out this one!
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Content warning: violence, slavery, animal death, graphic scenes
🪓🪓🪓🪓/5
March 29, 2025
This book kept me on the edge of my seat.
We follow The Huntsman, he lives in the middle of the woods with his 3 dogs. He was raised by wild dogs & he's an urban legend for the people around the area to make sure people were behaving.
He's approached by a slave owner to retrieve a runaway slave, dead or alive. I found The Huntsman to be a sympathetic character - he didn't agree with the idea of having to hunt for the slave but needs the money to survive.
I honestly imagined The Huntsman as The Undertaker throughout the book 😂
The hunt for the slave is such a journey, & I hope there is more from The Huntsman as he is one of my favourite characters from the Welcome to Nightmare Island story.
Devin Cabrera writes fantastic characters, with creative death scenes & gore. I highly recommend reading all of his stories.
I want to thank Devin & his team in giving me the opportunity to read this book before it came today (which it's out now!)
We follow The Huntsman, he lives in the middle of the woods with his 3 dogs. He was raised by wild dogs & he's an urban legend for the people around the area to make sure people were behaving.
He's approached by a slave owner to retrieve a runaway slave, dead or alive. I found The Huntsman to be a sympathetic character - he didn't agree with the idea of having to hunt for the slave but needs the money to survive.
I honestly imagined The Huntsman as The Undertaker throughout the book 😂
The hunt for the slave is such a journey, & I hope there is more from The Huntsman as he is one of my favourite characters from the Welcome to Nightmare Island story.
Devin Cabrera writes fantastic characters, with creative death scenes & gore. I highly recommend reading all of his stories.
I want to thank Devin & his team in giving me the opportunity to read this book before it came today (which it's out now!)
April 4, 2025
Let me just start out by saying I am a huge fan of Devin Cabrera's Welcome to Nightmare Island, Jones 1963 and Jones 1993, and you should be too! The Huntsman is his newest release, and it is nothing short of enthralling and action packed. Not only does it delve into the backstory of The Huntsman and his hounds, which we all want to know, but it is a story with heart as well. We learn that The Huntsman does not start out to be all evil, he just justifies what he does by knowing he has to feed his hounds and has a job to get done. He hunts slaves who have escaped their enslavement and brings them back to their owners. I feel this is a huge subject to try to write about, and I think Devin Cabrera did it flawlessly. This is truly a five out of five read that grips you by the seat and never lets up! I am thoroughly looking forward to the next novels about more of the ghosts!
March 23, 2025
Devin Cabrera did it again. The Huntsman is another ghost from Nightmare Island that we had the pleasure of running into while we visited the island. This book is his story and how he became who he is. I felt a little sorry for the guy because his childhood absolutely sucked. Due to this, he grew into a man that all were scared of and whom nobody wanted to even get a glimpse of. Not to mention his man eating dogs were pretty damn chilling also. He did however, have a few morals. He did not kill slaves unless he was hired to (he was human and needed money to feed his dogs and himself). He hated slaveowners and felt no remorse in killing them when he saw him. I won’t say that I liked him but I understood why he did what he did.
March 30, 2025
Cabrera has done it once again! Fast-paced, exhilarating, sadness, happiness, and just an emotional Rollercoaster of a book! The Huntsman is probably one of my favorite reads so far this year. By the end, he will have you falling in love with the "villain" like he does in everything he writes. Buttt, is the Huntsman really a vicious villain? Not in my book! I absolutely loved this sensational read. Ohh let's not forget Winston! Someone who had gone through so much in his life from torture, being degraded, lonely, and just someone who never deserved what he had to endure. But his progression through the book, he came out a hero in his own right. And was easily the most lovable character. Mr. Cabrera, you nailed the assignment with this one!
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